Hale means healthy and strong, especially for someone who is older. When we say someone is “hale and hearty,” we mean they're full of energy and vigor despite their age. You might meet a hale 80-year-old who still gardens every day, takes long walks, and has a firm handshake.

The word often appears in old stories and historical writing. In A Christmas Carol, Scrooge's nephew Fred is described as hale and cheerful. The word suggests real vitality and robustness, a quality of active strength and energy.

While hale can technically describe anyone healthy, it carries special meaning when applied to older people who have maintained their strength and energy. A hale grandfather might still chop his own firewood or beat his grandchildren in a footrace. The word celebrates people who've kept their health and spirit strong through the years.